Rachel was born in Virginia, Liberia, West Africa to Thomas Bia-Seh Richardson and Rachel Ann Roberts Richardson. She had five siblings who predeceased her: Lucy Richardson Smith, Francis M. Richardson Washington, James B. Richardson, Hester Richardson Innis, and Ethel Richardson Butler. She was the baby of this union.
Sis Plum, as she was affectionately called, was a devout Christian, an outstanding citizen, a good entertainer, and most importantly, a caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. She leaves to mourn: her husband Mr. Thomas Philip Faulkner, and her four living children Eppie Mellish (Zerbe), JoAn Williams (James), Seh Dimago Faulkner (Mookie), and Magdalene Nylander (Solomon). She also had thirteen grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives, along with countless friends.